Cognitive Science B.A.

Students who choose to pursue the Cognitive Science B.A. degree seek to understand how the mind works. They are also likely to be interested in psychology, philosophy, or linguistics, and in conducting research in some aspect of the field.

Cognitive Science is a multidisciplinary and experimental approach to the study of the ways humans, animals and machines process information. A Cognitive Science graduate, skilled in the analysis of cognitive and decision-making processes, is well-prepared for a rewarding professional future.

There are two degree options in Cognitive Science: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Students inclined toward psychology, philosophy, and linguistics typically choose the B.A. option. Students interested in developing additional computational and mathematical skills and in focusing on both empirical and quantitative research usually choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.

The interdisciplinary nature of the coursework allows you to explore a wide variety of research areas. Students interested in the humanities can study how the human brain shapes creativity. Those interested in the health sciences may opt to investigate such subjects as whether exercise aids cognitive functions. There are many options for study with this degree.

Getting started

You may start exploring the Cognitive Science major by taking one or more introductory courses to establish a Breadth in the major. Breadth courses must be chosen from the approved by the Cognitive Science Program list of courses related to Cognitive Science. For example:

Upper level coursework

Once you decide on a concentration for the major, you take several more advanced courses at the 300 or 400 level in a discipline of your choice. For example, when you choose to specialize in Cognition, you may find relevant courses listed in the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

Commonly pursued majors, minors and certificates

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, a Cognitive Science B.A. degree will pair exceptionally well with many other disciplines of study. With the help of your advisor you may be able to combine several areas of interest, formally adding a second or third major, minor, certificate or another degree.

A common double major combination is the Cognitive Science B.A. and Psychology B.A. The Cognitive Science B.A. and Computer Science B.A. are also frequently paired. In fact, virtually any major or minor will work well with the Cognitive Science B.A., as will a second degree in many areas of study in other schools at IU Bloomington.

Working with faculty

When pursuing a B.A. degree in Cognitive Science, you have the opportunity to work with faculty who have expertise and experience in the field. Take advantage of office hours to talk with your instructors about your performance in class, the content of assignments, and how the course helps you work toward your goals.

Students in the Cognitive Science Program are strongly encouraged to pursue the opportunity to conduct independent research with program faculty. One option is to create an individualized reading project tailored to your interests through COGS-X 490 Readings in the Cognitive and Information Sciences.

You could also assist a faculty member in an experiment project or lab data management project through COGS-X 497 Research in the Cognitive and Information Sciences or you could develop your own research idea in COGS-X 498 Research Project in the Cognitive Sciences.

Honors

Students who would like to formally enhance their knowledge and experience in their chosen field and who maintain a minimum 3.3 overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in the Cognitive Science B.A. major, may apply for the Cognitive Science Honors Program.

Completing the Honors program involves conducting an individual research project or writing a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Interested students should discuss this opportunity with their advisor in their sophomore year.

Students approved for Honors are encouraged to take COGS-Q 499 Honors Research project with their faculty mentor by the spring of their junior year or the fall of the senior year. See the Senior Thesis Research Guide for more information.

Internships

Internships offer you a chance to develop both technical and transferable skills while making vital professional contacts with others in the field. Many students begin exploring internship opportunities, including overseas study programs with internships, as early as their freshman year.

Previous Cognitive Science students have found internship opportunities with organizations such as:

Cognitive Science interns in these and other organizations have been able to run experiments, conduct data analysis, do independent research, and more.

Learn more about internships, and the possibility of receiving credit, through the Walter Center for Career Achievement, where you'll find many resources for both domestic and international internships.

It may be possible to earn academic credit for an internship by enrolling in COGS X-373 Internship in Professional Practice in Cognitive Science.

Foreign language study

Students pursuing a Cognitive Science B.A. degree must demonstrate a fourth-semester proficiency in a single foreign language to fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirement.

The SOCS group is very active, meeting weekly during Fall and Spring terms. SOCS also organizes discussions, talks and dinners with IUB faculty and graduate students, lab tours and movie viewings. Check out the SOCS Facebook page.

Explore beINvolved to connect with any of the 750+ student organizations that already exist, or to start a new one.

Volunteer opportunities

There are numerous opportunities for volunteer engagement, allowing you to give back to the local community while developing useful job skills. You may find many volunteer opportunities through IU Corps. The organizations below can help you connect with others from the university and beyond:

Skills desired by employers

The following abilities are sought in the job market across many employment sectors:

Communicate effectively with persons both inside and outside the organization

Work in a team structure

Make decisions and solve problems

Plan, organize, and prioritize work

Obtain and process relevant information

Analyze quantitative data

Create and/or edit written reports

Obtain technical knowledge related to the job

Proficiency with computer software programs

Create and edit written reports

Ability to persuade or influence others

As you explore various career fields, pay attention to specific job descriptions and requirements. If there are areas where your skills or knowledge are lacking, talk with your academic and career advisors about how you can develop in those areas while you are at IUB.

Your academic advisor and career coach can also help you find ways to strengthen and deepen the knowledge you already have, becoming more prepared for whatever path you select after your college career.

Launch your career

Plan your search

A good career exploration starting point is an appointment with the Natural and Mathematical Sciences career coach.

The Walter Center for Career Achievement offers job search resources, career courses, job fairs, information about internships and full-time jobs, and help with social media networking through professional organizations. Get advice about how to write your resume, ask for letters of recommendation from faculty and workplace supervisors, and prepare for job interviews, too.

Use the Career Communities and IU Career Guides to determine if the path you are considering aligns with your short- and long-term goals. These offer information about each field's preferred educational preparation, employment opportunities, insider tips, industry-related interview questions, and more.

You might want to take a career course to help you maximize your time at IU. College of Arts and Sciences students should consider taking ASCS-Q 296, College to Career III: Market Yourself for the Job and Internship Search. In the course, students learn how to craft a targeted resume, use their cover letter as a tool, prepare for successful interviews, locate and build a professional network, and prepare for a smooth transition from college to postgraduate life.

The job market

As new industries have been steadily growing over the past few decades, the number of jobs and careers related to cognitive science has also increased. The demand for specialized interdisciplinary approaches will continue to rise, along with the need for experts with strong analytical skills who understand how people, machines and even animals learn and think.

Students with the Cognitive Science B.A. degree take their education in many directions. They are well prepared to work in any industry. They find jobs in a variety of sectors, including business, government, nonprofit, private corporations, education and research.

Graduates with the Cognitive Science B.A. tend to seek jobs in fields such as:

Post-graduate short-term experiences

After graduation, a short-term experience or internship can help you make connections, gain life skills, and assess your interest in future careers or graduate school. Talk with your career coach and use these and other resources to find opportunities that are a good fit with your educational experience and career goals:

Fellowships for post-graduate study

Fellowships are temporary post-graduate opportunities to conduct research, work in a field, or fund graduate school. Most opportunities can be found through universities, non-profits, and government organizations.

Graduate and professional study

When applying to graduate or professional schools, you'll need letters of recommendation from faculty members who are familiar with your work. Make a practice of attending office hours early in your academic career, to get to know your professors and discuss your options for advanced study in the field. Make sure you visit the Walter Center for Career Achievement career coach for further guidance.

A Cognitive Science B.A. degree will prepare you for entry into graduate programs in a wide variety of fields, such as: business and consulting, computer science, informatics, law, neuroscience, psychology, public policy, and other academic fields.

With careful planning, and in consultation with the Health Professions and Prelaw Center, you can prepare to enter law school, medical school, or other programs in the health professions.

Students who pursue graduate studies in Cognitive Science have gone into careers with top academic and research institutions, government and intelligence positions, media, business and entrepreneurship.